Cost to paint interior trim?

Question

I don't mind painting, too much, but I'd rather spend the day at the dentist than paint trim (baseboards, casings, doors, etc.).

What would be a round figure to have the trim painted on a 1,000 sq. ft. house? This includes baseboards in the kitchen, dining area, living room, hallway, small bedroom, large bedroom, and 2 walk-in closets. There are also 6 interior doors that need painting, front and back, plus the casings on both sides and the jambs. The old colors are very bright and bold, so a coat of primer, such as Kilz or Bullseye, on the baseboards is in order first.

What would be a fair price for what would basically be a full day's work for one person? Remember, we're talking SoCal rates!   :wink:

Thanks.

Joel NA · Answer

you've had good responses so far....I paint when I'm not teaching and I'd just add that painting trim only will require a good painter to avoid carpet/flooring AND newly painted walls. Be sure to give the guy some of the wall paint so he can touch up. Going too cheap will turn out badly I'm afraid...I'd say $300 is a decent price...

it's the refrain around here, right, how much is your time worth? Good luck...

Chris Martin · Answer

For 850-950 size 2/2 and 3/2 properties, painting all ceilings, walls, trim, doors is about $700 to $900 here, painting labor only. The upper range if there are many pre-paint wall or ceiling tape repairs, excessive caulking, etc. Some properties the flooring stays, others not. Some have painted doors, others don't since they're stained.

I've not priced just trim, but $300 sounds like a reasonable price to pay for someone with some experience. It's kind of weird, though, working with home service people. I find that many painters cater only to "retail" clients... and not only will they not accept a job like yours, they would quote you 5x what you be willing to pay, and then talk about how professional their job is. The old Hard Sell. I politely move on, looking for the $200-$300 guy that can provide an adequate job. One other alternative is to go to the local Labor Finders outfit and pay $12.50/hr for a painter for 4 hours. Sometimes they work out. If the first 4 hours goes well, then call them back for more work, asking for that person specifically.

Mark Updegraff · Answer

As with everything, you get what you pay for!  When reading the initial descrip, I thought 40 man hours plus materials(including walls).  We do a bang up job. No cracks anywhere, perfect professional cuts, airless sprayer for trim first.  See my blog for details.  Could a guy do it in a day, probably, but mine will look better & last much longer.  I couldn't just paint trim without painters caulk & that would require wall work... Easier to just do it all at once. Ceilings / prime - then spray trim, then hand cut & power roll top coats (2): 1000 sq ft = 40 hours & $300 supplies

Ryan B. · Answer

I would love to travel out there but I would have to pack plenty of underwear, seeing the prices for stuff would make me crap myself.  That is the only good thing about living in the midwest.

Ryan B. · Answer

Mitch,

I feel you, painting trim sucks ass.  I don't know about SoCal rates, but here in the midwest I would probably be able to find someone to do it for around $200 not including materials.  I just did it not too long ago so it only cost me a Saturday and $20 for paint.

Mitch Kronowit · Answer

LOL!

If the $4/gallon gas doesn't make you mess yourself, how about the 1 BR, 500 sq. ft. condos a couple of miles from me still selling for over $100k???  :mrgreen:

Mitch Kronowit · Answer

Thanks Big Guy. We painted the walls ourselves for around $500, which included all materials and a helper. $200 sounds great, but around here, I doubt I would get a quality job for that price. I think I'm going to end up paying $300 plus materials. Ahh, the cost of living in California.

Cost to paint interior trim?

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